Jenny's Cello Studio

A Riverton Utah Cello Studio

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A life long trained cellist and a 20 year teacher, Jenny Downs is currently teaching in the southwest area of Salt Lake County, Utah. She has experience teaching preschool-adult students, beginners and transfer students as well.
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Are You Looking for a Cello Teacher in Salt Lake or Northern Utah County?

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Welcome Cellists!

I am happy and grateful to have settled and built a full cello studio in the southwest area of the Salt Lake Valley over the past 10+ years. I focus on exemplary technique, tone, and expressiveness as well as performance confidence and opportunity. But more important I aim to provide positive experiences, positive feedback, and a positive self image. I believe as Sinichi Suzuki taught that, “Our aim needs to be the nurturing of children. The moment we rigidly convince ourselves, “Education is what we’re after,” we warp a child’s development. -1- First foster the heart, then help the child acquire ability. This is indeed nature’s proper way.”

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@jennydownscello
305 Posts
1.6K Followers

Jenny | Cello Teaching with 🤍

🎶~💙I Teach Music Through Cello
🎶~💙Cello Choir🤍Suzuki🤍String Quartet
🎶~💙Practice Strategies🤍Beautiful Creation
🎶~💙Mother/Daughter Music

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What feels boring or tedious or insignificant today
becomes ease later.
#keepgoing #practice #itsthelittlethingsthatcount #sportsandmusic #suzukistrings

Over the past handful of years I have made small changes to the way I set up my lessons as well as slowly added different options for a growing number of different needs. Weekly 1-1 lessons are the model we are used to, and the one I still subscribe to as the optimal learning experience for most young learners. But, I don’t just teach the the optimal young student, that has the funds, the dedicated family support, the same learning style or abilities, the same goals and drive. I teach returning to the cello adults, new cello adults, kids with learning disabilities, families with limited funds (yes, cello isn’t cheap-the instrument or a highly trained teacher), cellists with hectic or unpredictable schedules. I’ve added different modalities of learning. And most recently, as I’ve thought about how to reach the hundreds of kids who start in their school orchestras, but can’t commit either time or $ to private lessons, I’ve come up with options to help them and others who just need occasional help. My weekly 1-1 lessons are typically always full. These other options help get some started while they are waiting for that optimal spot. It’s been tricky unwiring my brain to the one way I’ve known, but guess what? Cello is actually becoming increasingly popular. Most of the best teachers here in the valley are booked solid. So these changes and options began when I considered how to make my reach go a little further. No cello teacher wants to turn away another human wanting to play the best instrument ever made. But we have to, because there’s only so many hours in a day. The Practice Space has been really great for some of my students to have all their assignments and videos in one accessible place. I’ve also had a couple of which this isn’t their ideal learning situation. So we pivoted to a different option. But it’s another option if you are remote- literally anywhere in the world- because the clock doesn’t determine lesson time. I’m happy with what my offerings have the ability to reach and do for up and coming cellists. And yes, my life is a myriad of spreadsheets 🤣. #cellolife #musiceducation #homeschooloptions #learnsomethingnew
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Over the past handful of years I have made small changes to the way I set up my lessons as well as slowly added different options for a growing number...

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5 months in, this 9 year old brought me his dad’s favorite piece to add to the mix. 🤣🤣 . OK rhythm wizard, let’s do it! This is after 1...

Have you ever made yourself aware of how often you judge or find fault with people throughout 1 day? Warning: 😬 it’s eye opening. When we aren’t aware, we can spiral into assumptions that harden the heart and call them truth. Here’s your invitation to observe. #love #healing #godislove #judgement #openheart
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Have you ever made yourself aware of how often you judge or find fault with people throughout 1 day? Warning: 😬 it’s eye opening. When we aren’t aware, we can...

When the skill is new but the belief shows up first. #confidencefirst #beginnermusician #studentwins #teacherlıfe #musiclessons
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When the skill is new but the belief shows up first. #confidencefirst #beginnermusician #studentwins #teacherlıfe #musiclessons

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He’s 20!! If you know Cy you probably love him. He’s the best of the best. Go wish him a happy birthday today or write it here and I’ll share...

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Comparison slows learning. • • one person’s tone improves first
• another’s intonation clicks later
• someone else just grew six inches and has to re-learn balance. You don’t see...

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“Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out.” — Robert Collier
We all know, consistency is key. But somehow that’s often the hardest part.
Just...

Teaching cello has taught me a universal truth… we all try to go faster or do more- when what actually moves us forward is slowing down and doing less, well. #cellotruths #wisdomoftheday #universaltruth #dailydose #practicetips
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Teaching cello has taught me a universal truth… we all try to go faster or do more- when what actually moves us forward is slowing down and doing less, well....

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Do the right thing Utah.
@govcox @utahlegislaturestaff @aclu_utah @utahparentcenter @lcpd_utah #utahlegislature #disabilityawareness #dspd #dotherightthing

Over the years of raising a child with disabilities in the school system…supports, resources, and opportunities increased tremendously over the time he was small to just a few years ago, when he aged out at 22. The changes and rights and supports by the end of his journey through school seemed almost miraculous. I felt blessed to have all the things the state of Utah has done to make huge strides. Now they are looking at making cuts. And I’m not sure what the reasoning is behing this as I am just seeing this. But these kids and families need every bit of support. This will effect major programs that has been a literal life saver for us that i wish every family with children with disabilities could benefit from- and i truly want these programs for them. Please sign and help stop cuts from happening . https://c.org/smRWyv9Ymftm - Go to my stories to click the link. #disabilityawareness #Utahkids #utahlegislature
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Over the years of raising a child with disabilities in the school system…supports, resources, and opportunities increased tremendously over the time he was small to just a few years ago,...

Several years ago I attended a marriage class at BYU Ed week that talked about what we invest our time and money in. I think the teacher may have given the example of doing quarterly getaways with your spouse because that’s what I remember coming away with. I shared it with Tyson. He was on board. And, in fact, makes them happen 99% of the time. Generally it’s a big getaway once a year. And this was it for 2026. And then usually a few more smaller overnight ones close to home throughout the year. I can’t give you much marriage advice, but I’ll give you that one. Invest time and $$ in what you’re trying to make last. (And marry someone that will do all the planning 🤣). A HUGE thank you to @nixkole who did a photo shoot for us near La’ie. She’s a college student @ BYUHawaii who’s the daughter of dear friend of ours. Reach out to her if you need pics next time you are on Oahu. She did an awesome job! #hawaii2026 #getaway #marriageadvice #photoshoot
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Several years ago I attended a marriage class at BYU Ed week that talked about what we invest our time and money in. I think the teacher may have given...

Mountains win it for me. Good thing I live in Utah. But this is a step beyond. #teacherbreak #beautyphotography #2026wins #godisgood #thisis50
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Mountains win it for me. Good thing I live in Utah. But this is a step beyond.
#teacherbreak #beautyphotography #2026wins #godisgood #thisis50

My husband said, “Which hike was better?” Me: Ummm… “Is there anything better than being under a canopy of trees for an entire hike?” Him: “oh, I dunno, hiking a crater at sunset and watching the sun rise over the ocean?” OK, so hikes 1 & 2 of the year— jackpot! #hiking #canopyoftrees #mānoa #godisgood
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My husband said, “Which hike was better?”
Me: Ummm… “Is there anything better than being under a canopy of trees for an entire hike?” Him: “oh, I dunno, hiking a...

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Thank you God and Mother Nature for this! #thereisbeautyallaround #naturesmusic #Hawaii #VitaminD

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Good morning ☀️ sunrise in Oahu.
#happynewyear #travel

What are the small, unglamorous things that are easy to skip— but over time, change everything? The work that keeps us playing is rarely dramatic. Sports? Music? Health? Your spirit? Your relationships? #dotheworkgetresults #musiceducator #healthyliving #sportlife #readthebible
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What are the small, unglamorous things
that are easy to skip—
but over time, change everything? The work that keeps us playing
is rarely dramatic. Sports? Music? Health? Your spirit?...

I am teaching the Old Testament in gospel doctrine this year. So many great resources to help you dive in. @johnhiltoniii has a website with an incredible amount of online resources + podcast on finding Christ in the OT. And @goodnewsbrandco has lots of hands on resources as shown in my last slide. Also, Famous For is the song playing- a favorite of mine in Christian pop music that references miracles in the Bible. #letsdivein #oldtestament #jesus #covenants #sundayschool
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I am teaching the Old Testament in gospel doctrine this year. So many great resources to help you dive in. @johnhiltoniii has a website with an incredible amount of online...

The truth is that being fit @ 50 (this year) might look different than you think. No, I haven’t taught my students about their glutes. We actually start with the grounding of the feet. But as a teacher sitting a lot of the day- this matters for us teachers or anyone that does a lot of sitting. #fitat50 #cellorules #teaching #playlonger
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The truth is that being fit @ 50 (this year) might look different than you think. No, I haven’t taught my students about their glutes. We actually start with the...

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Literally that’s what happened. #Cello #practicetips #showoff #ifitworksitworks

@roxyhelgeson thanks for the gifted seats! 2.5 hours of John Williams genius played by the truly amazing @utahsymphony. And the movie was ok too 😂. #Star Wars #musicians #celloforlife #soundtrack #thankyou
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@roxyhelgeson thanks for the gifted seats! 2.5 hours of John Williams genius played by the truly amazing @utahsymphony. And the movie was ok too 😂.
#Star Wars #musicians #celloforlife #soundtrack...

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Seems pertinent to share this now. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound. #amazinggrace #cello #jeffreyrholland #jesus #lds @marshallmcdmusic composed this gorgeous arrangement.

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An arrangement done by Lindsay Stirling. My final piece from my IG live concert. My husband bought some sheet music and backing tracks from her like 13 years ago. Beautiful...

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A beautiful German Christmas tune. #cello #germanmusic #christmasmusic #holidays

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City Sidewalks, Busy sidewalks, Dressed in holiday style 🎶. Fun little duet! Not ready for all the holiday music and decor to go… a couple more days left.
#silverbells #celloduet...

"If he or she really goes about it in earnest, anyone can cultivate ability in ten years, I believe. Even in one year, shortcomings can be changed into good points if only we set our aims high enough. Continuing for ten years, we can become outstanding indeed...There is no limit to our shortcomings. Until we die, we should spare no time or effort in changing our weaknesses to merits. To do so can be pleasant and interesting. We can become like the horse that starts last and yet outruns the field, reaching the wire first; it is the same fun."
― Shinichi Suzuki, Nurtured by Love: The Classic Approach to Talent Education